LPA Summer Leaflet:Layout 1 27/4/07 11:19 Page 1

BULLETIN LERWICK PORT AUTHORITY MAY 2007

BUSY SUMMER FOR PASSENGER TRAFFIC Lerwick Harbour is set for a seasonal surge in passenger traffic, with a resumed international International service again service by , increased sleeping accommodation on NorthLink’s ferries and more cruise ships all contributing.

Almost 160,000 passengers used the port last year, with around two-thirds of them sailing in the peak season, from May to September.

Port Authority Deputy Chief Executive, Sandra Laurenson, said: “While there is an understandable emphasis on attracting visitors to Shetland, with significant benefits for the economy, the scheduled services also provide opportunities for islanders to travel. Norrona timetable “That makes the return of Smyril’s Norrona, with its international connections, all the more welcome.” Late spring Lerwick Schedule -Lerwick-Torshavn Sundays 1600-1630 20 May to10 June Smyril heading for Lerwick Torshavn-Lerwick-Bergen Fridays 0500-0530 25 May to 15 June Smyril Line will resume services via Lerwick in May, with a schedule which continues through to late September. Summer Hanstholm-Lerwick-Torshavn Every second Sunday 17 June to 26 August Its passenger/freight ferry, Norrona, has Lerwick as a port-of-call on routes 1600-1630 between the and the North Atlantic, in a network with Bergen, ; Torshavn in the ; and Hanstholm in . Torshavn-Lerwick-Hanstholm Every second Friday 22 June to 17 August 2100-2130 The purpose-built vessel’s passenger facilities are to a high standard, including accommodation for almost 1,500 passengers. Autumn Torshavn-Lerwick-Bergen Fridays 0500-0530 7 to 28 September Upgrading Bergen-Lerwick-Torshavn Sundays 1600-1630 9 to 23 September mainland links The timetable is available at www.smyril-line.com/SAILING_SCHEDULE/CALENDAR.aspx NorthLink Ferries operates two passenger ferries, Hjaltland and Hrossey, year-round between Lerwick and Aberdeen, with overnight sailings in both directions seven times a week. International hub port The schedule for the specially-built passenger/freight ferries includes seven calls at Kirkwall, in Orkney, each week, during summer. Lerwick Harbour is ideally located as a midway port and offers opportunities to sail between , the Faroe Islands, Norway, A £3 million upgrade of both vessels means increased cabins and Denmark and the Scottish mainland. significantly more berths from spring this year. Full information on Norrona's freight service is available on Full information on services is available on www.northlinkferries.co.uk www.smyrilbluewater.com or contact Smyril Blue Water direct by Bookings can be made direct to NorthLink by telephone: 0845 6000 449; telephone: +298 309600. online; at its Lerwick office and at travel agents. Between mid-June and end-August, the Norrona’s schedule includes a fortnightly round-trip between Torshavn and Scrabster, on Scotland’s north coast, and Bergen, calling at Scrabster on alternate Mondays and alternate Wednesdays.

Passenger bookings for the Norrona can be made at local travel agents, online at www.smyril.co.uk or direct at Smyril Line by telephone: +298 345900 or at www.smyril-line.com LPA Summer Leaflet:Layout 1 27/4/07 11:19 Page 2

Quay attractions! Attractions at Lerwick include the new Shetland Museum and Archives at a waterfront location where the purpose-built facility, open from June, 2007, includes over 3,000 artefacts, a three-storey boat hall and the building and repair of boats.

The Port Authority is a sponsor of the Museum where a model depicts the growth of harbour and town from the 1700s to the present day.

For more information, please view www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk or tel: +44 (0) 1595 695057 © Mark Sinclair - Phatsheep Photography An eventful summer Main events at the port this summer include:

21 – 24 June: Annual Shetland-Bergen Races for yachts, incorporating a new 1,000 mile yacht race from Ijmuiden, in the Netherlands.

21 – 24 June: Flavour of Shetland event on Victoria Pier – includes culture, music and crafts and is part of the islands wide Johnsmas Foy festival (15 – 24 June).

Among other events in-and-around the harbour are: Cruise ships are regular visitors to Lerwick during summer and Local sailing regattas around 50, with over 20,000 passengers, are expected between May and September this year. Visits by tall ships A strongman competition on Victoria Pier The full 2007 schedule is listed at www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/pdfs/cruiseshiplist.pdf Additional Johnsmas Foy activities Lifeboat Day. Sailing to Shetland A full list is available at www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/pdfs/events.pdf Yachts are arriving at Lerwick in increasing numbers. A welcome pack for Events connected with the Harbour can be listed by contacting the crews gives relevant information on all the services. The pack can be Port Authority. downloaded at www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/pdfs/yachtpack.pdf

Lerwick Port Authority, Albert Building, Esplanade, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0LL. www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1595 692991. Fax: +44 (0) 1595 693452. E-mail: [email protected]